Susta:The residents of Susta have been evacuated due to the flooding of the Narayani River in Chitwan, which has inundated their settlement.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the ongoing heavy rainfall has caused the water levels in the Narayani River to rise, prompting the evacuation of Susta residents. The floodwaters have affected areas including Tharu Tole and other parts of Susta rural municipality-5 in Nawalparashi west since last Friday.
Initially, villagers were moved to local shelters within Susta, but as conditions worsened, over 800 residents were relocated across the Narayani River to Balinagar. They are currently being housed at BP Secondary School, as reported by Deepakraj Nepal, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Nawalparashi.
CDO Nepal stated that Susta consists of 219 households with a population exceeding 1,450. Some residents had already left to stay with relatives, while others were evacuated with assistance from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force.
The suspension bridge over the Narayani River, which serves as the main access route to safety, faced delays in evacuation efforts. This was due to the need to raise sections of the bridge as water levels reached 11.94 meters on Sunday.
Relief efforts by the Nawalparashi Red Cross and the Nawalparasi Chamber of Commerce and Industries are underway, with supplies being delivered to the affected areas.
Currently, the water flow at the Gandak Barrage is recorded at 479,100 cusecs, according to Shovit Haluwai, Contact and Land Acquisition Officer at the Gandak Project Office in Bhaisalotan Valmikinagar. Authorities remain vigilant as continued rainfall and rising water levels pose further threats to communities along the river.